The Opportunity School

IIT Kanpur is known for being one of the most premier institutes of higher education in India. However, a certain section of society which is an integral part of the campus community fails to draw benefits of education from the institute. The Opportunity school, as the name implies, is a platform that offers underprivileged kids living in and around the campus a chance to learn, grow and evolve into responsible citizens of the society. Since last 49 years, the school has transformed lives of hundreds of bright children many of whom have succeeded in creating a niche for themselves.

The foundations of the school were laid down in 1967 when a few large-hearted people joined hands to address the concern. The initial years were fraught with difficulties as there was not adequate infrastructure available and funds were to meagre to run the daily expenses of the school. In those difficult times, numerous alumni came forward and contributed generously. A few of the faculty too raised funds for the school. Another person who is worthy of admiration and applause is Mr. R.S. Srivastava who joined the school in July 1967 as a teacher and went on to play a pivotal role in running the school. He donned several hats including that of a teacher, guardian, fund raiser and eventually a principal. The services rendered by Mr. Srivastava will ever reflect as a hallmark on the school’s history.

Today, the school runs classes till 8th and is affiliated to the UP Board of Education. The number of students has increased from 4 to 6 in the formative years to 340. Emphasizing on the overall development and holistic growth of a student, the school management has adopted several new teaching methodologies. Students are taken on frequent trips to nearby areas where classes are held outdoors. They are encouraged to participate in competitions like reading, poetry recitation, Sanskrit quiz etc., acquire computer skills, use an interactive science lab, and learn book craft and home science. Under Prof. H.C. Verma’s Chairmanship, the school team has recently started a program that focuses on identifying individual talent and providing opportunities to hone these skills further by inviting specialized teachers for dance, art, jewelry making, quilling, mehndi designs, etc.

Through the untiring efforts and dedication of several people, the school has reached its present status. Its reputation has grown so high that an intense pressure is felt at the time of admissions every year. Parents from the neighboring areas are keen to send their wards to the school. In future, the school aims to upgrade till Class 10 and accommodate more girls who usually give up education as their parents are not willing to send them to expensive schools outside the campus.

The Opportunity school community expresses its deepest gratitude to all the friends and well-wishers who continue to support us in our endeavors. Special thanks to Pioneer batch 1965 for setting up an Endowment Fund; 1966 batch; 1967 batch for Science Lab creation; 1972 batch for funding books and stationary; Dr. Singh for contributing towards new school building and upgradation of the school till class 10; IIT Kanpur for providing a helping hand and financial aid without which the school would not have reached its present status; Kendriya Vidyalaya, Campus School and Kislaya school for helping with the study material and teaching resources; all other alumni, non-alumni and Institute’s faculty and employees for generously contributing to sustain us.